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October is Dental Hygiene Month: Spotlighting Our Hygienist

Meet Our Dental Hygienist, Cheryl Bailey

October is Dental Hygiene month and we’ve decided to honor this occasion by spotlighting one of our dental hygienists. Cheryl Bailey is our dental hygienist at Carolina Dental Center. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UNC-Asheville and her Associate in Health Science (Dental Hygiene) from Horry-Georgetown Technical College.

Read our fun interview with Cheryl Bailey to learn more about her and to find out what her favorite, cavity-inducing snack is!

Tell us about your family.

I have a dog named Luke. He is 16 months old and is a Cavapoo. I also have 3 brothers and 1 sister all of which still live in NC. They have given me 5 nieces and 3 nephews. My father is my only living parent and he too lives in NC.

What drew you to the field of dentistry?

I had a friend that was a Dental Assistant and I loved the way she would talk about her office and how they were like family. I was not happy with my job so I did some research and found that dental hygiene offered a lot of opportunity. So, I made the decision to go back to school. I really wanted to pursue a career that I was passionate about and could look forward to going to everyday.

What is your favorite part of being a dental hygienist?

I love being able to talk with my patients. Being a hygienist is so much more than just cleaning teeth. Don’t get me wrong, I do like being able to see the fruits of my hard work but over the past 10 years I have loved developing relationships with so many great people.

What is a normal day like in the life of a dental hygienist?

I am very fortunate in that I only see 8 patients a day. Sometimes it can be stressful but for the most part a normal day is very pleasant and filled with the best patients a hygienist could have.

If a young person were considering a career as a dental hygienist, what advice would you give them?

Observe before making this decision because it can be messy and rather gross at time. Dental hygiene is not for a person who has a weak stomach or doesn’t like blood.

In one sentence, convince us why dental hygiene is important.

Dental hygiene is important because whatever a person has going on in his or her mouth is affecting the rest of their body and overall health!!!

October is dental hygiene month, but we know not everyone is a saint when it comes to taking care of our teeth. What is your favorite cavity-inducing food/snack?

Oreos

If Hollywood were to produce an action movie starring you as the hero and plaque as the villain, which famous actor/actress would you cast as the villain? As yourself? Why?

Villain – Jack Nickelson because he’s really bad like plaque.

Myself – Julia Roberts because she is smooth and can have a person doing what she wants before they even know what hit them.

What is one thing your patients would be surprised to know about you?

I am very outgoing with people I know but very reserved with new people. Even though I’m like this I try to make everyone first appointment in my chair the best ever because you only get one chance to make a good first impression.

What are you going to be for Halloween?

The Grim Reaper

Tell us the truth, do you indulge in a few sweets here and there during the Halloween season?